Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired the sixth meeting of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi

Prime Minister reviewed the activities of NDMA to effectively manage and respond to disasters affecting the country. He also reviewed ongoing projects undertaken by NDMA.

Prime Minister emphasized on the need for better coordination between the various stakeholders and undertake more joint exercises to bring about effective response to save life and property. He stressed upon the need to bring in global expertise in the field of disaster management.

On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management in India.

NDMA, as the apex body, is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters. Towards this, it has the following responsibilities:

Lay down policies on disaster management.

Approve the National Plan.

Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan.

Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan.

Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India for the Purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects.

Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management.

Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation.

Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government.

Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with threatening disaster situations or disasters as it may consider necessary.

Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

There was no institutional framework for disaster management earlier, but after the setting up of NDMA, a mechanism has been developed not only for disaster management, but also for disaster risk reduction.

India got appreciation due to NDMA’s work at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting on Disaster management held in Kyrgyzstan last month. India had extended help to earthquake-hit Nepal in 2014 and also India had sent NDRF team to Japan for help.

Its time to further strengthen the legal and institutional systems in place for disaster management.